Brooklyn Nine Nine Is Cancelled – But Could It Be Revived?

Despite being one of the most popular US sitcoms of recent years – one which has handled diversity and comedy hand in hand to critical acclaim, and which possesses 100% approval from critics on Rotten Tomatoes – Fox has elected to cancel Brooklyn Nine Nine, the Andy Samberg fronted and produced vehicle which focuses on the haphazard inner workings of the NYPD’s 99th precinct in (of course) Brooklyn.

The news does not come as much of a shock to those who are invested in TV ratings – some sources have been eyeing the possibility of Detective Jake Peralta and co facing the cop for some time as a result of the show reportedly dipping in terms of Fox’s viewership records – however, fans have not reacted so kindly.

The show, currently approaching the climax of its fifth season and what will reportedly be the last episodes of its run – the final episode will air this month – has retained a huge following online, and Twitter exploded into disbelief upon the announcement this week – with hashtags such as #RenewB99 rising in popularity in the hours after the show’s demise was announced. Stars of the show, including Melissa Fumero, Terry Crews and Joe LoTruglio, took to the social network to thank the viewers for five years on the air – though some fans, and even some insiders, aren’t so sure that this is the end.

According to Deadline, it’s thought that Hulu – who have already resurrected the likes of the cancelled The Mindy Project – could be in line to swoop in and pick up rights to season six onwards. TBS, too, are looking like potential saviours – particularly as TBS chief executive Kevin Reilly is a self-confessed fan of Brooklyn Nine Nine, and was involved in its initial development for Fox. TBS has form, too, for picking up Fox cancellations – with Seth MacFarlane’s American Dad having found its new home there for several years now and to continued fan appraisal.

Brooklyn Nine Nine is a sitcom that differs from its contemporaries in that, without a laugh track, it can monopolize on unique jokes and situations. Its lightning pacing and sensitive character development have also helped it to win acclaim over the years – and it has remained a ratings winner for Fox up until recently. Will it find a new home on streaming? Fans are certainly holding their collective breath!